Work starts on solar park to power bin lorries

Construction work has started on a solar park that will power electric bin lorries.

The 1MW solar scheme will help cut the amount of carbon emissions generated by waste collections in and around Cambridge.

It is jointly funded by Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

The councils said the system, which is set to cost about £6m, would feed into 36 EV charging points at the Waterbeach depot, servicing bin lorries for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire.

Bin collections across parts of the county are carried out by the Greater Cambridge Shared Waste service, which is a partnership between the two councils.

There are four electric bin lorries in use at the moment, but the council said there was not enough existing capacity to power any more.

The plan is to have 18 EV lorries in operation by 2027.

The project is also expected to supply about 60% of the depot's total energy supply.

Rosy Moore, executive councillor for environment, climate change and biodiversity at Cambridge City Council, said: "This is a landmark moment for cleaner, greener waste and recycling collections in Greater Cambridge."

The Labour member said: "This project demonstrates how local councils can lead the way in tackling climate change by investing in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure."

Natalie Warren-Green, Liberal Democrat councillor and lead cabinet member for environment at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "It's not just about reducing emissions – it's about creating a resilient, future-proof system that benefits residents and the environment."

The work is due to be completed by the end of this year.

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